Celebrity Style Icons Clamour for Vancouver Designer’s Orange Collection

Credit: Orange by Angela Chan

The chunky knit is one of designer Angela Chen’s favourite trends this season. “It’s just so cozy and easy-to-wear.”

Vancouver designer Angela Chen elevates the neutral palette to new heights

I have to admit, I only recently discovered Angela Chen and her collection Orange, though it already boasts a following of celebrity style savants—like Coco Rocha and Chloë Sevigny—who are dialed into this chic line by the Parsons alum born in Taiwan and raised in Vancouver.

 

Orange by Angela Chen

www.orangenyc.com

Available online, 4th Avenue Boutique in Kitsilano [map] and The True’s in Richmond

And it’s easy to see why the spotlight is shining on Orange. Exuding palpable sophistication, Chen’s Fall/Winter 2010 line—complete with cozy chunk knits, structured tops, draped skirts, swanky outerwear, sexy cocktail dresses and more—has the urban stylista flawlessly covered from day to night with well-tailored pieces that inject classic style with a dose of glamour.

Given its predominantly neutral palette—black, white and a touch of shimmery grey—the collection is surprisingly electrifying. The black pieces pop with elegant movement and flirtatious charm, while the white and grey pieces stand out in rich structure and high gloss. A beautiful study in contrast.

And of course the great thing with neutral pieces is the versatility. So when the mood for colour or accessorizing strikes, it can be easily incorporated. Leopard-print kitten heels, heavy chains, multi-coloured beaded necklaces, gold bangles—bring ’em on! (Though maybe not all at once…)

Having studied and worked in New York City in the past, Chen now returns to Vancouver, setting up a design studio here and getting her collections made locally as well.

“There are so many fashion shows going on here and trendy boutiques opening,” she says. “It’s a good time to focus on Vancouver right now.”  Amen to that!

Orange by Angela Chen

Here are some of my favourite pieces from the Fall/Winter 2010 collection. Even if you usually yawn when thinking of black and white, these should make you go “Wow!”

^{from Fall/Winter 2010 Orange collection by Angela Chen}

^{from Fall/Winter 2010 Orange collection by Angela Chen}

^{from Fall/Winter 2010 Orange collection by Angela Chen}

^{from Fall/Winter 2010 Orange collection by Angela Chen}

^{from Fall/Winter 2010 Orange collection by Angela Chen}